Cathedral launches immersive Christmas experience

The Wonders of Christmas display will be open until 4 December

Peterborough Cathedral has unveiled its first-ever immersive Christmas light and sound show, which aims to give the city centre a "magical transformation."

The Wonders of Christmas display opened on Wednesday and was expected to attract thousands of visitors.

Vice Dean Revd Canon Tim Alban Jones said the event was designed to engage the local community, allowing people to "claim their cathedral" and feel part of the historic building.

The experience also included a Christmas tree festival, featuring 40 real trees placed around the cathedral, which were decorated by community groups, charities and local businesses.

The ticketed event is expected to attract large crowds, the cathedral said

The cathedral's first festive light and sound display features a lit-up façade with moving images, twinkling lights on the lawn, and a large sleigh with reindeer for photo opportunities.

Mr Jones praised the "fantastic, hard-working and dedicated team" of staff and volunteers who brought it to life, calling the effort "almost superhuman".

"Without them, we couldn't do any of what we do," he said.

"We are hoping people will come and enjoy and spread the word about it… so we are expecting thousands, not hundreds."

Peterborough's communities came together to take part in decorating 42 Christmas trees

The cathedral has been busy with events and recently hosted its largest Christmas market, attracting more than 6,000 visitors across three days, between Friday and Sunday.

Earlier this year, the cathedral raised more than £300,000 through its Cathedral in Crisis campaign, enabling it to remain open daily without charging entrance fees.

The funds have been used for essential repairs and to recruit a new cohort of choristers.

It continues to appeal for ongoing support, with a spokesperson previously saying, "the journey is far from over".

More than 130 tall holders displayed their goods at the Christmas market